National Cargo Bureau Reports On '76 Activities

The 26th Annual Meetings of Members and Directors of the National Cargo Bureau, Inc., were held recently at the Board Room of the American Institute of Marine Underwriters, 99 John Street, New York City. John R. Walbridge, vice president of the Insurance Company of North America, was reelected chairman of the board of directors. Niels W. Johnsen, chairman of Central Gulf Lines, Inc., was reelected deputy chairman of the board and Thomas O. Clark, vice president, marine of Commercial Union Assurance Companies, was reelected treasurer. Capt. S. Fraser Sammis, president, and Jerome P.

Scully, vice president and secretary, continue in their respective positions. Capt. Donald W. Gates was appointed vice president and chief surveyor.

The Members elected the following to the board of directors: J. Borowiak, marine secretary, Fireman's Fund Insurance Cos.; R.M. Buckley, partner, Simpson, Spence & Young; M.G. Bulloch Jr., senior vice president, Lykes Bros. Steamship Co., Inc.; T.O.

Clark, vice president, marine, Commercial Union Assurance Cos.; Rear Adm. S.H. Moore, USN, Commander, Military Sealift Command, and J.R. Walbridge, vice president, Insurance Company of North America.

In his annual message to the Membership, Mr. Walbridge reported that almost 27,000 surveys were performed during 1976.

He reported on the Bureau's close advisory capacity with the U.S.

Coast Guard, particularly at meetings of the Inter-Governmental Maritime Consultative Organization in London. The Bureau participates in the Sub-Committee on Containers and Cargoes and the Sub-Committee on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods. The Containers and Cargoes Sub-Committee is undertaking a uniform sampling procedure of ore concentrates to determine the flow moisture point. Eight countries are participating in this test, with Norway as the coordinator.

A report of the results will be submitted at the next session of the Sub-Committee.

The Sub-Committee on the Carriage of Dangerous Goods completed a new Section 19, "Carriage of Dangerous Goods in Shipborne Barges on Barge Carrying Ships," for addition to the "General Introduction of the International Maritime Dangerous Goods Code." This new Section is a result of efforts of the Bureau, industry and U.S. Coast Guard in drafting a practical guide for transport of dangerous goods in barges on LASH and SEABEE type vessels.

A significant achievement was the recent consolidation of Hazardous Materials Regulations into the Code of Federal Regulations, Title 49, which became effective January 1, 1977. This makes available in one publication both intermodal and international regulations for the transport of hazardous materials.

The chairman also advised that the Bureau is considering the preparation of a guide for the proper stowage of containers.

This would be a joint effort by members of the maritime industry, and a proposal is now being developed for presentation to the Maritime Administration.

The Bureau was formed in 1952 and is a nonprofit organization dedicated to safety of life and property at sea. Its marine surveyors inspect the stowage and securing of cargoes on vessels and in containers. Membership is composed of individuals representing Government, steamship and marine insurance underwriting organizations.

Other stories from June 1977 issue

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